DEATH AT NELSON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27497, 18 September 1950, Page 6

DEATH AT NELSON

Well-known Otago Sportsman MR ARTHUR ALLOO A former New Zealand representative cricketer and Otago Plunket Shield captain, Mr Arthur William Alloo, died suddenly while playing golf on the Nelson links on Saturday. He was -in his fifty-ninth year. Educated at the Otago Boys’ High School and Otago University, Mr Alloo was a prominent figure in education and sporting circles, and this province has had few sportsmen with such outstanding all-round qualifications. He graduated M.A. at the University of Otago, and also held the diploma of L.A.B. in singing. He won many honours in singing at the festivals of the Dunedin Competitions Society, and was also a well-known performer over the air.

For many years he was on the staff of the Macandrew Road School. He also taught at tl}£ Albany Street School before becoming headmaster of the North-East Harbour School. He became headmaster of the Granity School in 1934, and about 12 years ago went to Nelson as headmaster, first at Auckland Point School, and during the past few years at Nelson Central, one of New Zealand’s model schools. He was prominently associated with the Otago State Primary Schools’ Sports Association, and was president for a term. He also took a keen interest in the affairs of the New Zealand Educational Institute in Nelson.

Proficiency in most branches of sport came easily to Mr Alloo. He was a member of the first eleven in cricket and Soccer while at Otago Boys’ High School, and played in the annual cricket match against Christ’s College, as did his brothers, Messrs H. C. and A. P. Alloo, and all three later represented Otago on the cricket field. Arthur was to be the bestknown of them all. He was one of that fine cricketing combination known as J. N. Crawford’s Colts, just before the First World War, and afterwards played for the Carisbrook, Grange and High School Old Boys’ Clubs, being a very sound batsman and a right-hand medium-pace bowler of impeccable length, and one who could keep an end going all day, if necessary. He played for Otago in Plunket Shield cricket continuously over a period of about 16 years, making many good scores and accomplishing many useful bowling performances. His highest score in Plunket Shield cricket was an innings of 101 for Otago against Wellington in the 1928-29 season, and earlier he made 97 against Auckland. He captained Otago for several seasons. Mr Alloo played for New Zealand against New South Wales in 1923-24, in two matches versus Victoria, in 1924-25, and he was a member of the New Zealand team on the Australian tour in 1925-26, playing in matches against Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales. He was also a member of the New Zealand team against the Melbourne

Cricket Club touring, side in 1926-27. His highest score for New Zealand was 51 not out, and he had an average of 19.66. After leaving school, Mr Alloo played Soccer for the High School Old Boys’ Club, and also represented Otago, but such was his flair for games and his knowledge of the rules that he subsequently took up Rugby coaching with great success His teams at Macandrew Road School established a notable record, and several of those who came under his charge afterwards won All Black honours, including J. Hore and D. Trevathan. He won the fives championship while at Otago University, was a billiards player of more than ordinary ability, and a first-class lawn tennis player. He had .some success as a sprinter, and was also a good golfer. With his brothers, Messrs H, C. and A. P. Alloo, he represented the Owaka Club in the New Zealand bowling championship,, and on one occasion they reached the final 24 in the Fours competition. On two occasions Arthur Alloo won the Singles championship of the Nelson Bowling Centre.

His wife predeceased him some years ago. He is survived by his mother, one sister, Mrs C. Bell, of Christchurch, and by two brothers, Messrs H. C. Alloo (Owaka) and A. P. Alloo (Dunedin).